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Epsom teenager named St John Ambulance Cadet of the Year

A teenager from Epsom has been named Cadet of the Year by St John Ambulance.

Arun Dawson, 17, from Pams Way, will represent the first aid charity's south district in 2014 after impressing judges during a national competition.

The Sutton Grammar School student has volunteered for St John Ambulance for six years, attending public events including the Diamond Jubilee, the changing of the guard, the London Marathon, the London to Brighton bike ride, the Lord Mayor's parade and Wimbledon.

He was was picked as the winner for his "confidence, presentation, leadership and first aid skills".

He will now represent St John Ambulance at official functions throughout the year, and has already been introduced to the likes of Lord Mayor of London Fiona Woolf and Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London Mike Dudgeon.

Arun said: "I’d urge everyone, whatever their age, to volunteer for St John Ambulance because you learn skills that will last a lifetime no matter what you do in life.

"And of course the greatest skill of all is learning how to be the difference between a life lost and a life saved."

Kevin Munday, regional youth manager for London St John Ambulance, said: "Arun is an inspiring young man whose work ethic and commitment to helping others makes him a shining example for other young people to follow.

"Not only is he determined to realise his own potential to the full, but he is also committed to helping other young people do the same."